by Celtic captain Callum McGregor has announced his retirement from international football with Scotland.
The 31-year-old midfielder has won 63 caps for his country and was part of Steve Clarke’s Euro 2024 squad.
McGregor revealed he spoke to Clarke this week and that while the national coach is “disappointed” by the player’s decision, he “can understand the reason”.
He told Celtic’s website it was a “very difficult” decision but “I think it’s the right one at the right time”.
“It was a huge honour to reach 63 caps for my country, because to have only one cap would have been a dream come true,” McGregor said.
“So to reach 63 and be inducted into the 50-cap honour roll is something I could only dream of when I was young.
“Throughout my career I have wanted to make myself available for Scotland at all times and, whenever I was selected, give my all to help the country and represent the supporters with passion and pride.”
McGregor said “to play in two major tournaments will always be a source of real pride” but suggested during this summer’s Euro final that he had been hampered by fitness issues.
“Of course, like many others, I would have liked us to have gone further in these competitions,” he added. “But it has been a privilege to have been able to represent my country on such a stage and to have represented it for such a long period of time.”
Clarke paid tribute to McGregor’s contribution to his team.
“Callum’s consistency of performance and leadership qualities have been a real catalyst for the team’s return to major tournaments,” he told the Scottish Football Association website.
“He has been a driving force in midfield and, in many ways, is every coach’s dream: low maintenance, leading by example and setting the highest standards every day in training and during matches.
“That professionalism and dedication has had a huge impact on our team. We had a really good discussion and, while I’m disappointed to be losing Callum’s qualities, I can understand the logic behind his decision.
“He will be missed by his teammates, the coaches, the technical staff and, of course, the fans. I would like to thank him for everything he has brought and for what he has helped us achieve.”
